If the US had no social security system .... ?

Question

do you believe it would be possible to create it in it's present form, today?

Answer 1

On Liberals "They want the federal government controlling Social Security like it's some kind of federal program." --George W. Bush, Nov. 2, 2000

Answer 2

Without SS retirement benefits people would take more personal accountability and be much more responsible about their retirement. People have become so dependent on Mother Government when it comes to bail-outs and providing for our retirements.

It's sickening. We used to be a nation of go-getters. We had gumption coming out of all orifices. Look at us now. We're a bunch of debt-fueled consumers with that look-at-me-Stanley attitude of showing off how much money we can make by buying (financing) the newest, shiniest things.

If we were to drop, or at least partially privatize SS retirement benefits it would do a great thing to this country: make us think about how we spend our money.

There isn't really much thinking about that these days.  

Answer 3

The problem w/ social security is there are more people drawing from it than pay into it,  Its like one of those bad pyramid schemes where the lasts one to pay get royally screwed.

To create a new system would require all the welfare pumpers to get a job, create laws to keep people w/ higher incomes from drawing from it (*cough* McCain) and then speed up the death rate. I dont think people would go for that though, so probably not.

Answer 4

Well the Social Security system works just like your average Ponzi scheme, so presumably if it started today the sponsors of it would get hauled off to jail.  Oooops, nevermind, it's OK for government to fleece productive people with Ponzi schemes.  

Now if I were the CEO of IBM and I announced a retirement plan today that completely mirrored Social Security, off to jail I would go.

Answer 5

anything the government does can be done by private industry for less money and it would more efficient and more catering to the customer.  

Answer 6

We may loose ss soon.You wouldn't believe how many people collect because they are drug attics or have been wrongly diagnosed as mental problems.

Answer 7

not with G W Bush in the white house he would just cut more taxes for the ultra rich and say look i have done a great job!

Answer 8

To say that if there were no social security people wouldnt retire is ignorant.  Maybe it would force some people to be more responsible, and save.  There isnt any social security thats the thing, I am 30 and when the time comes to retire there wont be any money left.

Answer 9

Perhaps if they changed it to every cent taken out of your check goes to YOUR own personal S.S. account so that when YOU retire, it's there.  

Answer 10

If the US had no social security system, many would have no money for retirement.  They'd then have to keep working or go on welfare of some sort.  

Answer 11

if the democrats would have kept there hands out of it yes!

Answer 12

If you are under 40 there is no Social Security , The Govt has pi$$ed it away and Both side are responsible . As to those who say people would not retire well then that would be your own fault for not preparing for the future , if you expect the Govt to take care of you well shame on you . The Govt does not give anything away for free it cost someone for you to have all these Govt goodies , and if people want National Health care well look at what they have done with Social Security , do you really want them looking after your Health Care ?

Answer 13

No.  Without social security people would not retire.  Our unemployment rate might therefore be higher.  We would have to persuade people to retire then persuade workers to pay taxes to subsidize their retirement.  And find jobs for the unemployed.